A Day in Chandni Chowk

Home

A Day in Chandni Chowk

Business Directory
A Historical Perspective
Landmarks & Monuments
Business & Commerce
Religion & Chandni Chowk
Eating Places
Travel & Transportation
A Day in Chandni Chowk
Some Do's and Donot's

Contact Us
Register
Home

Time has a tendency to change even the most beautiful of places. Chandni Chowk has not been left untouched either. A city that once housed an estimated 2,00,000 in Aurangzeb’s reign, is now populated by a restless 9 3 lakhs (1 lakh = 100,000) ! The boundaries of Delhi are steadily being pushed outwards as more and more people pour in. Old routes and roads, used for hundreds of years, have disappeared and old buildings have given way to modern structures.

And yet, to borrow a line; ‘the city of Delhi is still as full of surprises as a good treasure hunt. You may suddenly find a ruined arch many hundred years old beside a recently built bungalow, or see the reflection of a high rise building in the waters of an ancient step well’.

Dariba

Some Do's and Donot's:

If you are a lover of 400 year old buildings, markets, bargaining, spicy food items, crowds, color, traditional Indian handicrafts, antiques, temples, mosques, etc., etc. then Chandni Chowk is just the place for you. In fact this famous bazaar has something for everyone. People from all over the world throng into this market because they know that an item that’s unavailable anywhere else, will easily be found here. And even if you are looking for something that’s available in other markets too, then you’ll come here because it’s cheaper here. People have been known to do all their shopping for a marriage ceremony (and a typical Indian marriage ceremony is as eleborate as any iother!) in one day in Chandni Chowk itself. From jewellery to washing machines, all imaginable consumer goods are sold at wholesale prices (even to retail customers!) in it’s various Kuchas and Katras.

If you are a visitor from a foreign country then you needn’t be apprehensive. The businessmen in Chandni Chowk are well conversant with the requirements of varied kinds of customers. English is widely used here and language should be no problem. Besides the usual precautions like taking care of your valuables and sticking to the well-used lanes, there are few things that all newcomers to Chandni Chowk should know:

Walking is a good idea in Chandni Chowk. It’s the best possible way to see all that it has to offer. Even though the main road may give you an impression of modern-day hustle and bustle, inside the katras, you will find a lot that needs to be taken in slowly. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes when you come here.
If you do get tired of walking around, then you can hire a rickshaw (a tricycle pulled by a rickshaw walla) to take you into the narrow inner lanes. Chandni Chowk has a huge car parking facility at the Gandhi Ground. If you bring your vehicle with you, it can be parked here. Unfortunately it gets jam-packed by noon, so arriving in the morning will help.
You should trust your own judgement when it comes to shopping and should beware of touts and agents. Bargaining is an accepted norm here but if you are aware of the prevailing rates, that shouldn’t be any problem. Take receipts for all your purchases. Remember to Refer to the section on Business & Commerce and our Business Directory to familiarize yourself with the reputed and trusted businesses in Chandni Chowk.
If at any time you feel lost or confused, you should straightaway approach the manager of the nearest shop for help/directions.
There are lots of traditional eating joints in Chandni Chowk. You might have to stand at some places but if you stick to the eateries recommended by us (in the section on Eating Places), the fare will be quite unique and differentl from what you might have experienced at any time in your life.
Always carry a bottle of mineral water with you. Indian summers can be quite taxing, especially if you are visiting anytime between April and September. Keep plenty of local currency and loose change with you. A camera will help you capture the unique flavor of CC!
Beware of beggars and even mendicants or anybody who approaches you for alms or donations. Keep your wallets safe, as you would anywhere else.

If you keep the above-mentioned guidelines in mind, there shouldn’t be any problem. For any further enquiries, please contact us. Come and savor the unique mix of the traditional and the modern.

This website is designed and maintained by a2zinc